Leadership Lessons from the Mirror

Reflection is the difference between excellence and mediocrity. Those who reflect the most, grow the most while those who engage in infrequent reflection, remain where they are. Bottom line, if we want to discover our excellence, we have to take a hard look in the mirror, and we need to do it often.

Don’t believe me?

Check out this tweet I shared a while back.

Would you get ready for work without looking in the mirror? The same principle applies to our reflection as leaders. We get better by looking in the mirror. #WeLeadEd pic.twitter.com/7yYvOaYzrn

— John Wink (@JohnWink90) December 20, 2017

Mediocre Leaders

1. Glance at the mirror if they look at all.

2. Make excuses for what they see. 

3. Blame others for their imperfections. 

4. Ignore what needs improvement. 

5. View blemishes as weaknesses

6. Refuse to see themselves for who they really are. 

Excellent Leaders

1. Analyze themselves in the mirror frequently. 

2. Seek out imperfections. 

3. Figure out ways to repair what they don’t like. 

4.  Experiment with new “looks” 

5. View blemishes as opportunities for growth. 

6. Refuse to accept their work as their best effort. 

Reflection is the key to finding your excellence.  Without it, you won't be able to acknowledge your opportunities for growth, i.e. blemishes, messed up hair, or even the sleep in your eye.  But what's worse is that those you lead will notice your inability to pursue growth, and that will do nothing but impede your ability to inspire them to learn and grow by looking in the mirror.

Take a look in the mirror.  Not only will your leadership improve.  Your organization will thank you for it.